The Cleveland Browns have announced that quarterback Austin Davis will start this week instead of Johnny Manziel, according to NFL reporter Conor Orr. The Browns have placed quarterback Josh McCown on injured reserve with a broken collarbone, and Cleveland's season doesn't look to get any easier, as they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Davis produced strong numbers against the Ravens in relief for McCown, but fantasy owners should be hesitant about starting any Browns players this weekend.
The only clear starter in fantasy from the Browns this Sunday is wide receiver Travis Benjamin. Benjamin has 54 receptions for 826 yards this season and has scored five touchdowns. The Bengals dominated the St. Louis Rams last week, and the expectation is that Cincinnati will roll over a Cleveland team that has lost six straight. With Cleveland likely playing catch up with the Bengals offense, expect a ton of passes from Davis, and Benjamin will look to be the recipient of a majority of those passes. Benjamin caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Davis last week and looks to be a great play in Point Per Reception leagues.
Fantasy owners should stay clear of running back Isaiah Crowell this weekend, as he has struggled to produce all season. Crowell is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and has only scored one touchdown this season. The Browns running back has rushed for a combined two yards in his last two games for Cleveland, and running back Duke Johnson Jr. will likely see more opportunities on Sunday.
The Browns rookie running back is also struggling this season and should also be benched in most fantasy leagues. Johnson could be a risky start in PPR leagues but has some upside, as both of his touchdowns this season have come on receptions. Unless you're desperate this week, bench both of Cleveland's running backs, as Benjamin looks to be the only clear start in fantasy this week.
